oak vs pine firewood

Oak (Hardwood) Oak is a species that is available in abundance almost everywhere in the world. Casuarina/she-oak. 301-842-7075 Cords of firewood are always measured when stacked. Welcome to the site! Along with maple, they are the most common woods used in commercial furniture construction. if you want to learn more about seasoning firewood, you should take a look at this article. As a heavy hardwood, Oak is simply more dense, and it’s coals will significantly outlast lighter woods like Pine, Birch, or Aspen.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'burlybeaver_com-leader-2','ezslot_18',115,'0','0'])); If you’re using a fireplace or wood stove in your home, another important thing to consider is maintenance of your chimney, and specifically preventing creosote build-up. Disadvantages Oak takes a long time to season. And i mean, a lot more inexpensive than, for example, a cord of regular firewood like oak, pine. HICKORY. In addition, where there was missing data (only a few occasions), I’ve used my own experience to round out the data. Most hardwood firewood, including Oak, have low sap levels and produce less creosote than very sappy firewood like Pine. The differences between oak and hickory are typically defined by application. So, how do you tell when your chainsaw bar is too worn out to keep going? Are those better than Oak? You should expect it to take 1-2 years to fully season your Oak firewood. For outdoor campfires Pine or Cedar are better, because they produce a beautiful fire with a pleasant aroma, that doesn’t burn too long. However, they are more difficult to get ignited in the first place. Also, Oaks are the trees that produce acorns, so if you see any acorns, then you’re likely looking at an Oak tree. White pine has a density of 26.3 pounds per cubic feet, compared to 47.2 pounds per cubic feet of white oak. In the following section, we’re going to see how Oak measures up against the 6 most important burn qualities for firewood. Oak is also a good firewood, as it puts out a lot of heat with a small flame, which can be safer around children. If you only use your... How to Tell When a Chainsaw Bar is Bad, Bent, or Worn Out. Oak is a type of hardwood, while pine is a softwood. One of the biggest factors that separates Oak from the pack, is that its heat output tends to be on the upper end of the spectrum.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',107,'0','0'])); Below, you’ll find a chart that summarizes the BTU output and weight of 15 common firewood species’ (Note: data sources are mentioned beneath the infographic above). Even though the three types of wood are used in a similar manner, differences in hardness, density, grain patterns and color can affect the final outcome. Hickory doesn’t have visible rays, see the photo below: As a side note, most trees do have these rays, but the unique thing about Oak, is that you can see them without any magnification device. Oak. Comparisons between oak and hickory should include both types of oak: red and white. It’s also worth mentioning, that almost any wood will be VERY smokey if you burn it wet. The firewood BTU rating charts below give a comparison between different firewood types. The longest-burning firewood that produces the most heat will be a hardwood. No matter it is round logs or split. To help you get an idea for how Oak compares to other types of firewood, we’ve put together a graphic below, which provides a snapshot of some of the most common types of firewood in our area (in the Midwest USA), and they are divided into 3 levels of quality. Heart Pine Bundle; Cigar Matches; ... For many of our customers, oak is their first experience with our kiln dried firewood. The top tier (top of the pyramid) is the absolute best firewood you can burn, whereas the bottom of the pyramid is the firewood that will still produce heat, but is not ideal because of low heat output, excessive smoke, difficulty splitting, or some other reason. link to How to Tell When a Chainsaw Bar is Bad, Bent, or Worn Out. Firewood is incorrectly identified all the time. Firewood Info Chart based on data from: U.S. Forest Products Laboratory (and numerous other sources) Here is collected data from many reliable sources regarding important characteristics of firewood, to best decide which might be appropriate for burning in your woodstove or fireplace. So you’ll need to make sure that it is really well seasoned before burning. Wholesome Gear, LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Oak: Known for its long, slow burns, oak is likely the best firewood wood. The round log is perfect for outdoor because it burns slowly. Kiln dried logs are a good option as these guarantee a low moisture content. link to How Long Does a Chainsaw Bar Last? While oak wood can take a little longer to become properly seasoned than other firewoods, the fire from well seasoned oak … We are also happy to answer questions about our firewood such as how long it's seasoned, how we harvest, etc. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland. ... Our Pinion Pine Firewood is seasoned and ready to burn! It has a high heat output of 26.4 million BTUs per cord of seasoned wood (for White Oak). The Georgia Department of Agriculture regulates firewood sales, and they require that the volume of firewood advertised or sold in bulk be expressed only in Just make sure that it doesn’t totally block airflow from the side of the stack, otherwise it will trap in moisture and make seasoning take longer. Contact us to schedule for local delivery or bundle pick up. Pine. Wholesome Gear, LLC may also participate in affiliate programs with other sites. Pine trees in our area contain large amounts of sap. The round log has excess bark that is a bad sign for quality firewood. Pine vs. Other Firewood. Available in full cords to bundles, by appointment only. First, oak is hardwood while pine belongs to soft wood varieties. CHERRY. Chainsaws are made to take a beating, but there comes a time when some parts need replaced. In general, firewood will take at least 6-8 months to fully dry, and for denser hardwoods this process can take even longer. A good rule of thumb is to cut firewood this year so you can use it next year. For example, wood that has great coaling properties will work well as an overnight fuel in wood stoves, because the quality coals will help the fire stay hot through the night. To optimize your drying time, you should stack your firewood neatly in a location that will maximize the amount of sunshine and air flow. This site is owned and operated by Wholesome Gear, LLC. It is considered the best firewood … Oak firewood is a popular choice for many people who use firewood for heat. Oak vs Pine. Whereas you can only see the rays of other wood species under magnification. To prevent creosote build-up, it’s important to properly maintain your stove and to have your chimney cleaned regularly. Does Oak make good firewood?eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'burlybeaver_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',103,'0','0'])); Oak firewood is absolutely one of the best types of firewood you can burn. Round Logs vs. Split Logs. So if you find a piece of wood with rays, and it’s not Sycamore, then it’s got to be Oak. We have a lot of water oaks in my town and it's actually the most common oak, seems to me. First, I think it’s helpful to mention that you probably aren’t going to have every kind of wood close by, and a perfectly reasonable way to choose from a list of top firewood types is to go with what is most readily available. This means you get nearly twice as much heat from oak as you do from the same amount of pine. Crazy stuff. Heat with dense woods such as oak during the coldest months of the year to enjoy longer, hotter fires. The great news is, with Oak, neither of these are really a problem. The most common unit of firewood volume is the cord, also known as a standard or full cord. So much so that many people, including my family, completely avoid burning Pine in wood stoves. Oak trees are another very common tree in a lot of areas. Casuarina ... Pine (Pinus radiata) isn't a good choice. Firewood and combustion of wood heat values - for species like Pine, Elm, Hickory and more Sponsored Links Type of wood - whether it is hardwood or softwood - burned in the combustion process is important for the heat value and the energy efficiency. Though this tree may be readily available to a lot of people, it still needs some care when being burned. Hardwood usually costs more, gives off more heat but takes longer to dry than softwood. Burning pine: Limit the amount of pine you burn. Low smoke production is a common trait among our top tier firewoods, like Hickory, Ash, etc. Jon Yarde is a firewood enthusiast, an Eagle Scout, and an avid learner and teacher of outdoor skills. To learn more about the data sources, you can read the note below the image. when burned, and pines, hickory and poplar are said to be most likely to produce popping sparks. And I’ll admit, this isn’t absolutely essential, but if you put your stack of firewood up on some pallets or perpendicular planks, it will increase airflow beneath the firewood stack and will accelerate your drying time. Oak leaves have a unique shape with 5-lobes, and they are also alternate-simple leaves. Both are used to make household furniture such as chairs, cupboards, tables and … Kiln dried oak is preferred by many customers because it offers a good heat result, it has 20% moisture or less and it is known to last longer than other species like ash or birch logs. Firewood Volume. Second, Oak tends to be a little easier to split. Firewood BTU Ratings Charts for Common Tree Species. Kiln dried oak is a more dense wood species, each log is heavier in weight and it burns more slowly. A final thought concerns the way firewood is advertised and sold. Switch to pine in the spring and fall for shorter, cooler fires that burn out quickly without overheating your home. Rather than choosing between pine and oak, consider using a combination of these two woods throughout the year. Alright, now that we’ve covered the 6 most important burning qualities for Oak, let’s draw a few quick comparisons between Oak and other top tier firewood types like Black Locust, Beech and Hickory. For example, White Oak, Red Oak and Bur Oak all produce around 25-30 million BTUs per cord. Successful wood burning starts with choosing the right wood for the job. So it would be easier to identify which one is oak and which one is pine. This can help you decide what the best firewood type is for your needs. Although pine has very inefficient firewood properties for use in a stove or fireplace, pine and other conifers can be used with some safety precautions. Here’s two quick examples: Catalpa wood pops really significantly, and it’s so powerful, that it can literally blow the front-glass off of a wood stove. Seasoning firewood takes time. If you are interested in the different fragrance profiles of firewood, you should check out our article on the 11 best smelling types of firewood. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',104,'0','0'])); To help you get an idea for how Oak compares to other types of firewood, we’ve put together a graphic below, which provides a snapshot of some of the most common types of firewood in our area (in the Midwest USA), and they are divided into 3 levels of quality. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-box-4','ezslot_3',105,'0','0'])); If you’re not familiar with those, extension offices are typically associated with a university, and their role is to do research and provide services which help citizens better manage their land and natural resources. This means that oak is heavier and is more wear resistant. How long a chainsaw bar lasts depends on how much the saw is used. Wholesome Gear, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. ... HARD WOODS VS SOFT WOOD. Speaking of Pine, it’s probably the worst type of wood when it comes to creosote build-up. A standard oak furniture project for the home can come in at over twice the cost of a pine equivalent. This will give you an easy view of where Pine stands in comparison to other types of wood in our area (the Midwest USA). While some woods naturally smolder for hours, others burn out quickly, leaving you struggling to keep the fire going. Because oak takes much longer to ignite, it is a poor source of kindling but an excellent source of fuel for long, slow burning. Below you’ll find a graphic, which assigns Pine to one of three tiers of firewood quality. Another factor that is commonly used for rating firewood is “coaling”. But another big factor, is the type of wood you’re burning.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-leader-3','ezslot_19',116,'0','0'])); In general, firewood that is very sappy will produce much more creosote build-up than firewood that is not as sappy. 1. If you ever cut a pine tree you can actually watch the sap begin to run out of the tree. Having seen this table of data, you may be wondering, what about Hickory? All the wood provides the same amount of BTUs per pound. Think about it, when the wood is split more surface area is exposed to the wind and sunshine, which are the primary contributors to dry wood. Therefore they tend to be the best firewood types for heat and for cooking. If you find a tree with leaves meeting these characteristics, then you’ve found yourself an Oak. Buying and moving firewood from elsewhere (especially from state to state) is not only frowned upon, it may also be illegal. What are the details on the burn qualities of Oak? Mulberry is known to throw a lot of sparks, and in a locking wood-stove it’s fine, but if you have an open-air fireplace those sparks could jump right out of the fireplace and catch something on fire. Now after discussing firewood generally, I would like to draw your attention to different kinds of trees that produce either hardwood or softwood firewood. As a matter of fact, it can take as much as two years to season oak appropriately. Take a look at the end grains of your piece of firewood. In addition to risks of creosote build-up (see #6 below), high smoke production is one of the reasons you should always make sure your firewood is properly dried before you burn it.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_16',109,'0','0'])); Firewood sparks may initially seem like a minor factor, but it can actually be a major safety issue. Firewood is measured by the cord. Just to make sure we’ve covered all our bases, you can also identify Oak trees if you have a leaf available. However, Mulberry, which is an otherwise top-level firewood, does produce a moderate amount of smoke. The age and dryness of the firewood will also affect the weight. On average, a chainsaw bar could last ten years unless it becomes damaged or bent which can happen at any time. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/pine-vs-oak-burning-95838.html In addition, you should only ever burn wood that is thoroughly seasoned (dried), because wet wood produces more creosote. While both pine and oak have their place in the fireplace, the difference in density between these two woods can impact not only warmth and comfort, but also fireplace safety and maintenance. Buy local: Only buy firewood from local sources. In addition, where there was missing data (only a few occasions), I’ve used my own experience to round out the data. It’s a resinous softwood. Oak firewood available from NPN. If your wood pile is outside you can put a cover or tarp over the stack to drain any rain/snow. ‘Ready to burn’ logs should have less than 20 per cent moisture levels for optimum heat output and efficiency, and with kiln dried logs you can be sure you’re purchasing a consistently dried log that will provide the best source of heat. Oak is a dense hardwood available throughout most regions of North America. oak firewood is best.jpg. So, I created Burly Beaver to serve as a library of the skills, facts, and tricks that I've learned. This includes guidance on the qualities of trees and firewood. Firewood volume measure. 1 CORD = 4 ft X 4 ft X 8 ft (128 cubic feet) 1/2 CORD = 4 ft … You should always keep an eye on open-air fireplaces, but it should be safe to burn Oak there as well.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_17',110,'0','0'])); When burning oak firewood, it gives off a mild “warm-summer-night” type of smell. This ranking is not an arbitrary list, and it’s actually based primarily on data from several university extension offices. Let’s get to it! Hardwood can weigh twice as much as pine, so a cord of Oak firewood is approximately 5,000 pounds while a softer wood, like Pine, can be as little as 2,500 pounds. However, if you do have a lot of firewood options, here’s some more info to help you break the tie.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'burlybeaver_com-leader-4','ezslot_20',117,'0','0'])); Hopefully that will help you see a few subtle distinctions between Oak, and other top-grade firewood. For example, white oak contains 29.1 million Btu per cord, compared to 15.9 million Btu for white pine, according to the Utah State University Extension. Oak vs Pine: Cost. Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. But how does Oak compare to other types of firewood? You can click on the different types of firewood in the chart to learn more about them. Oak has very low levels of sparking and shouldn’t cause any issues in a wood stove. 9. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. A good comparison to highlight how distinctive these Oak rays are, is Hickory. Too much creosote in your chimney increases the risk of clogged flues or even chimney fires. The oak species consists of about 600 different types of trees which can live for 200 years and grow as tall as 100 feet. You may pay $425 for a cord of seasoned oak, and only $295 for a cord of pine. In addition to the rings, Oak has clearly visible lines that run perpendicular to the rings, going straight outward from the center of the wood. The wood can sometimes def look like red oak. In regions where wood from conifers is plentiful and hardwood is hard to find, you should use it and can often get it for free. First, Oak has a slightly higher heat output than Ash. That is the only reason why it seems to attract that many homeowners. Oak has excellent coaling properties and large Oak logs work really well as “overnighter” fuel for wood stoves. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. When seasoned well, it gives off a good, lasting … And finally, Oak produces better coals than Ash, and will sustain a fire longer. In the photo below, I’m pointing at the rays on a piece of Oak with my pocket knife. The best type of firewood for heating a home with a wood stove, is Black Locust or Hickory, due to the high heat output and long-lasting coals. The good news is, there’s a really easy trick for identifying Oak firewood, and you don’t even need to have any leaves or bark to do it. This box of oak firewood includes everything you need for 2-4 amazing fireside experiences, including fire starters, kindling, matches, and firewood… Now, here it is! Burning softwoods such as pine generally results in a cooler fire, which can lead to greater creosote buildup than burning hardwoods such as oak, according to the "Chicago Tribune." You may do a double take here, because a lot of people don’t do this step due to the extra effort required. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',106,'0','0'])); ​The information in this image is based largely off of data from the following sources: Utah State University Forestry Extension, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois Extension, University of Missouri Extension, South Dakota State University Extension. This will allow both stacks of wood to dry better. Here’s a quick primer on some of the most popular and available firewood types. Oak and pine are two wood varieties that are often used to make furniture. Hardwood’s, like oak, ash and birch are the definite choice of the serious fire burner. Oak produces very little smoke, especially when compared to Pine or Hard Maple, which are known to be big smoke producers. There are a ton of trees out there, and to be honest, almost all of them can be used as firewood. I'm also the son of a forester, and in the last few years, I've developed a newfound appreciation for the old-fashioned knowledge trapped in the heads of guys like Dad. Pine firewood should only be used in open air outdoor areas. Keep up the rotation and you will always have good, dry, seasoned wood to burn. Frankly, the answer is “it depends”. Checking the rays is a great way to identify Oak firewood, especially because you can do it all from the end grain. Chimney Safety Institute of America: How to Select Firewood, Utah State University Extension: Wood Heating, California Air Resources Board: Wood Burning Handbook, Engineering Toolbox: Wood and Combustion Heat Values, How to Make a Wood Stove Heat More Efficiently. Oak is also a great choice of firewood for cooking and smoking meats. So, what about Oak? Oak is a better firewood than Ash for a few reasons. For example, stack the wood away from buildings (out of the shade), and point the face of the stack (not the ends) towards the direction from which you get the most breeze. Bearing in mind the strength and durability advantages that oak holds over pine — including the slower growth rate — it should come as no surprise to learn that oak commands a higher price than pine. from http://www.ECustomFinishes.com This video showcases the differences between reclaimed old pine and reclaimed old oak. 8. Oak vs. Other Wood. They think that they can beat the system by using it as their sole fuel source, saving potentially thousands of dollars per season. Different types of firewood will require more (or less) time in order to dry-out, and you should always plan to burn firewood that is completely seasoned. Though firewood dry weight is important for determining heat content, firewood is normally bought and sold by volume. The relatively lower density of pine compared to oak means that it's quick to ignite, making it an excellent source of kindling wood. Let’s answer those questions! Hickory firewood is one of the top choices for many people and often thought of as the number one species for firewood. The other type of firewood where you can see the rays, is Sycamore, but the lines are much smaller and closer together. left-right-left, etc.). These lines are called “rays”, and Oak is one of only two types of firewood (at least around here), that has rays that are visible to the naked eye. And to get all the above burn qualities and benefits, you’re going to need an easy way to tell if the wood you have is definitely Oak. They pack more potential heat energy per volume of firewood. These long-lasting coals will allow you to easily re-start a fire in the morning by simply adding more wood to the existing embers. Common softwood species include cedar and pine. When any kind of firewood burns it produces coals, and the quality of the coals produced have a big impact on how long (and how well) the fire will continue burning. A cord is an evenly-stacked pile … Well-seasoned oak is one of the best hardwoods for fires, says Steve Bowers, a forester with Oregon State University Extension Service. If you’ve not heard of creosote before, it’s a side product of burning wood, and it’s basically a black tar that is gradually deposited by wood smoke on the inside walls of a chimney. A cord of seasoned hardwood has about twice the energy content -- measured in British thermal units -- as a cord of seasoned softwood, according to the Chimney Safety Institute of America. In order to expedite the process, and to get your firewood seasoned as quickly as possible, use the following tips for fast drying: firewood dries WAY faster when it is split into pieces, rather than sitting in log-form. What Causes Soot Buildup in a Wood Stove? Anyway, so, it's a red oak family tree. Oak firewood is a popular choice for many people who use firewood for heat. Even if you use oak exclusively, have your chimney cleaned annually to prevent creosote buildup. The picture below shows a good example of dry, seasoned firewood. I've been collecting firewood, planting trees, and woodworking since before I could hold an axe. It has a heavy smoky flavor, which is good for meat as well. For wood to be “seasoned” basically just means that it’s thoroughly dried. It’s not all bad though, Pine makes a beautiful and great-smelling outdoor campfire. Plus it’s easy to identify Sycamore by the light white/green color of it’s bark. All 4 of those types of firewood are exceptionally good, and you should feel good about burning any of them to heat your home.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-leader-1','ezslot_15',108,'0','0'])); But, there are a few characteristics that distinguish Oak from other woods, let’s keep going to touch on each one. Or Black Locust and Beech? Use pine as a source of kindling to get the fire started, and then add oak to keep the fire burning. if you make multiple stacks of firewood, each stack should be separated by at least a few inches for air flow. Otherwise, it won’t burn as slow and steady as most prefer. wood dries faster in Texas than in Oregon), and if you’ve properly split and stacked the wood.

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